Ultimate X-Men Epic Collection: World Tour

The second year of Mark Millar’s groundbreaking ULTIMATE X-MEN!

As the X-Men embark on their inaugural world tour, they must confront some unsettling truths about their mentor, Professor Charles Xavier. Before founding his school for young mutants, Xavier abandoned his only son, David, a mutant with uncontrollable reality-warping abilities. Now David has returned, looking to exact revenge on the father who left him — and he’s willing to eradicate anyone who stands in his way! Will the X-Men be forced to kill Xavier’s son to end his threat against the world? In the wake of tragedy, their suspicions of their leader’s methods only increase. Xavier’s mental blocks on student Jean Grey’s psychic abilities continue to crumble, and she grows increasingly unstable — plagued by visions of a world engulfed in the flames of a fiery phoenix! Plus: Meet the mutant street hustler known as Gambit!

COLLECTING: Ultimate X-Men (2001) #13-25

Written by Mark Millar & Chuck Austen
Penciled by Adam Kubert, Esad Ribić, Chris Bachalo & Kaare Andrews

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs